Research Fellow

Job title:

Research Fellow

Company

University College London

Job description

About usThe post of Research Fellow is in Prof Mariya Moosajee’s team within the Development, Ageing and Disease Theme of the UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, ranked the best place in the world to study ophthalmology (CWUR Rankings by Subject 2017). This post offers an exciting opportunity for someone to play a key role in improving diagnostics and understanding the disease mechanisms affecting babies born with severe eye malformations in a highly successful and dynamic research and teaching Institute, as well as benefiting from the opportunities afforded by being part of the larger financial and administrative community of the Faculty of Brain Sciences, School of Life and Medical Sciences and University College London (UCL). The combination of the Institute’s research resource with the resources of Moorfields Eye Hospital, which has the largest ophthalmic patient population in the Western World, opens the way for advances at the forefront of vision research and provides an unparalleled setting for research and training in ophthalmology. The discoveries that will be made in this project will immediately and positively impact patients and the care we provide on a global scale.About the roleMicrophthalmia, anophthalmia and ocular coloboma (collectively termed MAC) contribute to over 15% of childhood blindness worldwide. Genetic and environmental perturbations as early as 3 weeks of gestation can result in anophthalmia, whereas challenges during developmental weeks 4-7 influence global eye growth and optic fissure closure, resulting in microphthalmia and/or ocular coloboma. Currently, two-thirds of MAC patients in the UK do not have a genetic diagnosis, despite next generation WGS/WES approaches (and the rates are lower in other parts of the world). The maternal environment can also influence the inheritance of MAC phenotypes, with leading causes identified as vitamin deficiencies, alcohol or substance exposure, or infections during pregnancy. Thus, identifying MAC genes and their associated genetic pathways, and interpreting the impact of the environment on these, is of critical importance.Working in close collaboration with Professor Mariya Moosajee, the Research Fellow will focus on the bioinformatic analysis of unsolved whole genome sequencing data from the 100,000 Genomes Project and in-house generated RNA-Seq data from environmental exposures to eye tissue in early development to identify further candidate disease genes. Experience with next generation sequence (NGS) data analysis and programming languages such as R/Python are essential. The Research Associate will use a range of techniques to facilitate the group’s work, including:

• RNA-seq data processing and analysis
• WGS data analysis and interrogation
• Combined multi-omic approaches and data analysis
• Reproducible code, documentation and result summarisation
• Running specialised software for data analysis

Candidates with a PhD (essential), experience in the aforementioned techniques, and who are independent and highly motivated, but willing and able to work effectively as part of a collaborative team are encouraged to apply.Salary: UCL Grade 7 (£43,374 – £51,860 per annum, inclusive of London Allowance)Duration: the post is available ASAP and funded for 12 months, in the first instance.NOTEAppointment as a Research Fellow at Grade 7 is dependent upon having been awarded a PhD. If this is not the case, an initial appointment will be made as a Research Assistant at Grade 6b with payment at Grade 7 backdated upon award of a PhD to the date of final submission of the PhD thesis (with corrections).About youThe candidate must have a PhD, strong bioinformatic skills with prior experience of interrogating WGS and/or RNA-Seq data. They must be a good communicator, both in lay and scientific terms, with strong writing skills. They must be competent with literature searches, have background or an interest in understanding genetic eye disease. The candidate should be organised, hardworking and enjoy writing and presenting their work.What we offerWorking with some of the greatest intellects in the world, UCL also offers a generous pension scheme and holiday allowance, plus closure and bank holidays as well as enhanced parental pay and more. Visit to find out more.Application ProcessIf you have any queries regarding the vacancy please contact Professor Mariya Moosajee (email: ). If you have any queries regarding the application process please email: [email protected].A job description and person specification can be accessed at the bottom of this page.To apply for the vacancy please click on the ‘Apply Now’ button below.Please ensure you attach your CV and highest academic qualification. In addition, please ensure you provide a personal statement outlining how you meet the criteria to support your application.Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and InclusionAs London’s Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world’s talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong.We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL’s workforce. These include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; LGBTQI+ people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women.Our department holds an Athena SWAN Silver award, in recognition of our commitment and demonstrable impact in advancing gender equality.Available documents

Expected salary

£43374 – 51860 per year

Location

North West London

Job date

Fri, 14 Mar 2025 00:33:38 GMT

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